SOCHI 2014: It's agony for Lloyd

The 18-year-old did not meet the British Olympic Association's strict criteria, despite several top 20 results at world level events and an invitation from the FIS (International Ski Federation) to take one of just 25 places in the Olympic aerials event.

He is now back at his base at TeamBath and in training for the World Junior Championships in Italy in March Wallace was 40th on the total rankings for the last two World Cups seasons, despite competing in only four of the 11 events, due to finances and studying for his A levels.

With only four athletes per nation permitted Olympic places he was in 31st position but with other countries releasing places, Great Britain was offered a spot at Sochi Wallace said: “I’m proud to have achieved that. If I was skiing for Brazil or Jamaica I would be going to Sochi. However, the British Olympic Association (BOA) have tough standards for aerials and I haven’t quite met those.

“The published requirement is two top 50 per cent results at World Cup. I have a top 50 per cent at senior Super Continental Cup level and at World Junior Championship level, and a 17th place at World Cup.

“I don’t think I get any allowance for simply not being able to afford to go to the rest of the qualifying events, none of which were in Europe.

“I would like to give a big thanks to my coach Mich Roth and my parents, without whom none of that would have happened. Now it’s back to Bath University and preparing for World Juniors in March.”

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